Summary of Large 8×8 LED Matrix Display
This article details the construction of a large, single-color LED matrix display using daisy-chained 144mm x 144mm modules. Unlike standard displays, this transparent design allows visibility through the background, making it ideal for glass panels. The project utilizes 10mm orange LEDs (though other sizes are compatible) and is driven by an Arduino board via SPI with only three signal wires. Basic soldering skills and Arduino knowledge are required to assemble the system.
Parts used in the Large 8×8 LED Matrix Display:
- Large 8x8 LED matrix modules (144mm x 144mm)
- 10mm orange color LEDs
- Arduino board
- SPI signal wires (3 wires)
Have you worked with ready-made 8×8 LED matrix as displays? They come in various sizes and are quite interesting to work with. A large readily available size is around 60mm x 60mm. However, if you are looking for a much larger ready-made LED matrix, you may be out of luck.
For this project, we will be building a single color large LED matrix display which is made up of a few large 8×8 LED matrix modules daisy-chained together. Each of these 8×8 LED matrix modules is around 144mm x 144mm in size.
The unique thing about this display is that other than the LEDs, one is able to view the background behind the display. This offers some creative use of these displays such as placing them against glass panels whereby people around it is able to see happenings behind the display. You may place some form of backing for your display if you find it distracting to read what is being displayed.
For this project, we will be using 10mm orange color LEDs to build the display. You may use LED sizes of your choice for your display. Commonly available sizes are 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
Though our display is not designed to work with any particular microcontroller, we will be using the popular Arduino board in this instructables to drive it via SPI using only 3 signal wires. For those who prefer not to mess with too much wiring, the large 8×8 LED matrix module is available as a DIY kit at our Tindie Store.
To build this project, basic electronics knowledge with electronics component soldering skill and some knowledge on using the Arduino are required.
You may view the following YouTube video to see what we will be building.
Read more: Large 8×8 LED Matrix Display
- What is the unique feature of this display?
The display allows viewers to see the background behind it because it is transparent. - Can I use different LED sizes for this project?
Yes, you may use common sizes like 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, or 10mm instead of the specified 10mm orange LEDs. - How does the display connect to the microcontroller?
The Arduino board drives the display via SPI using only three signal wires. - Is a DIY kit available for the large module?
Yes, the large 8x8 LED matrix module is available as a DIY kit at the Tindie Store. - What skills are required to build this project?
Builders need basic electronics knowledge, component soldering skills, and some knowledge of using the Arduino. - Can I add a backing to the display?
Yes, you may place a form of backing if you find the transparency distracting while reading the display. - Does this display work with any specific microcontroller?
No, the display is not designed to work with any particular microcontroller. - Where can I view a video of the build?
A YouTube video showing what will be built is available for viewing.
